| Abstract: | In Ethiopia, basic education has received a lot of attention and emphasis. NGOs are vital in supporting the country's growth. For this reason, the researcher assessed the role of NGOs in three sub-cities (Nifasilk Lafto, Kirkos and Akaki Kality). The role of local NGOs in promoting elementary education was studied using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Purposive sampling was used to choose ten cluster schools from three sub-cities. The questionnaire interviews were conducted with 30 school principals, 180 teachers, 30 cluster supervisors, 9 Wereda education specialists and 1 Addis Ababa Education Office expert. Document analysis and questionnaires were used to acquire primary data. For example, providing quality education, raising community awareness of the importance of schooling, meeting material needs of children, especially girls, supplying educational materials and providing early grade students with supplementary reading books were all mentioned by these sampled schools. The research indicates critical areas for improvement, such as limited community participation in project identification and evaluation. There are various problems encountered during the project intervention. One is a lack of grassroots capacity to assist project implementation. The district education office also highlighted concerns about project delays and timely reporting. However, as a result of these local NGOs' project, students' involvement in general, and females' participation in particular, improved. To ensure project sustainability, the community should be included in project identification and evaluation, and school-based vocational training should be institutionalized. |
